This exquisitely intricate Cloisonné enamel piece is dated to c.1900 from the Japanese Meiji era (1868-1912 ) Takahara Komajiro 高原駒次郎 of Kyoto.
Takahara is referenced as the most well-known and consistent maker of Kyoto-Jippo (tr. 'Cloisonné') wares, founding a workshop in 1894. The Cloisonné technique is revered for using thin wire or metal to contain different coloured enamels. The technique in this piece is elevated to astounding heights when you consider the detailed wired sections of this piece is as small as 1mm in width.
This particular piece bears Takahara's design characteristics despite being unsigned; notably within the floral patterns and 'takara-mono' (tr. 'treasured items') featured in the roundels, the wire gilding and the overlapping green scales edged in the band of dotted red circlets brocading the foot of the vase. From delicate sprigs of Sakura Cherry Blossom to Lotuses, Chrysanthemums, Anemones and Moutan Peonies; the Cloisonné with elements of glittering jewelled enamel worked into the colouring is a joyful celebration of flora in bloom.
The 8-lobed form of this piece, its size and the condition of the enamel décor makes this piece a particularly rare find. Not only did Takahara's Cloisonné skill contend with creating the enamel art in minute detail, but it was also applied to the curving form for each of the eight lobes. This fantastic work of art would make a superbly decorative and highly collectable art feature.
CONDITION Excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs. There is natural age wear to the enamel and the rim of the vase that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please see photos as part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm by c. 3" / 7.5 cm width (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.7" / 4.2 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.2" / 3.1 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.2 kg / 175 g
NOTES Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Japanese Cloisonne enamelware is a technique introduced to Japan around the Tokugawa period during the 16th century.
Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' are metalwork objects with decoration that is applied by creating separating sections using wire or thin metal. The sections are filled with different coloured enamels to create a visual image or pattern and the whole piece be fired multiple times to realise the colours.
Early 20th C. Canton Enamel Peaches and Blossom Four Piece Tobacciana Set | Chinese, 1900s - 30s
Regular price£103.00
Save £-103.00
THE ITEM This intricately painted work is Cantonese Enamelware, a technique of hand-painting and firing enamel introduced to China around the18th century. Cantonese Enamelware is different from Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' technique, which is metalwork decorated with enamel applied to sections separated by wire or thin metal.
This particular set comprises of a matchbox cover, two ashtrays and a storage tin made of copper. The set is rare as all pieces are decorated in the same design and colour palette. What is rarer is that although the pieces are in delicate condition, the wear on the decor is relatively light.
The design theme present on all pieces is the striking Lapis blue background which is overlaid with stylised peaches and peach blossom. The design is typical of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau period when design often included influences from the East. Each piece is further decorated with their own ancient familial scenes. The interior and undersides of the tin and ashtrays are decorated with a pale Turquoise blue.
CONDITION Good. Apparent wear is present to the enamel of each piece that is commensurable with the age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS - Storage Tin. Height (including lid): c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm length. Width: c. 3" / 7.5 cm. - Matchbox Cover. Height: c. 0.9" / 2.3 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm length. Width: c. 1.6" / 4 cm. - Ashtray. Height: c. 0.6" / 1.5 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm length. Width: c. 2.4" / 6 cm. Unpackaged weight [full set]: c. 0.3 kg / 268 g
NOTES Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Mid Century Modern Brass Horse Figurines, 1950s - 60s, Austrian
Regular price£185.00
Save £-185.00
THE ITEM Presenting this pair of beautifully stylised, Modernist brass horses mounted to the polished solid wood base is by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller. These figures carry the influences typical of the Mid Century Modern design, which would have been at the height of its popularity during the time these horses were crafted.
Mid Century Modern design influences can include an 'atomic feel' that transforms ordinary geometric shapes into curves and waves and the exaggeration of length or stylising and this influence is evident in the design of this piece. An elegant and sophisticated accent piece that would suit a room with decor themes of vintage, contemporary, Mid Century Modern and even Industrial.
CONDITION Excellent, no damage, there is natural wear that is commensurable with age is present, please see photographs as part of the condition report.
MEASUREMENTS Height: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (of larger horse). Height: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm tall (including base) x c. 4.3" / 11 cm width (from nose to tail of larger horse). Wood base: length c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm x width c. 2.8" / 7 cm Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 466 g
NOTES Sculpture will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904 – December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines. Bosse’s work grew in popularity and a number of his pieces were shown at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925. He started designing for Augarten Porcelain Works (1924) as well as Goldscheider (1926) and Metzler and Ortloff (1927). In 1931, to meet increasing demand (especially in America). In the late 1940s, Bosse began experimenting with brass by giving his ceramic figures a metal coating to protect them from breakage.
He formed a partnership with Hertha Baller, whose company (the Hertha Baller Company) manufactured and marketed the brass figurines, this collaboration was called the Bosse/Baller company. In the early 1950s, Bosse and Baller began exploring a new style of brass called the “Black Gold Line” or "Black Golden Line" of brass figurines. He transitioned all of his efforts to brass and the figures became popular worldwide.
In Vienna, the Herta Baller Company continued to make and sell Bosse's designs. Bosse also collaborated with Karlsruhe State Majolika Works on a number of pottery animal figures.